That's more like it, you shouldn't get any problems with that. I have a standard reflector and hang a 4" computer fan under the bulb, and manage to get 4" from the bulb no worries. I do have ample air extraction, and being winter ambient temps are low. That said it was still only 5-6" away in the summer.
You're right, you live you learn, and you seem to be doing well for a new grower, nice fat budds. One thing I will say...you can fit 4-8 sliightly bigger plants under there and get much more from the 250. I've got 3 pretty fat topped ones under mine at the mo, and going for 4 plants under my next grow, trained to be about 16" tall and 12" square at canopy. I'm only on my second grow with the 250, and think so far I have under estimated it